Smart watch and control method for the same

ABSTRACT

Discussed are a smart watch and a control method for the same, which provide a notification indicating events, which are scheduled to occur later on the basis of a take-off time, if the smart watch is taken off. The smart watch includes a display unit to display content, a communication unit to perform transmission/reception of data, and a sensor unit to detect an input signal with regard to the smart watch and transmit the signal to a processor that serves to control the aforementioned units. The processor detects a take-off signal, indicating separation of the smart watch from a user, in a worn mode, to switch the smart watch to an unworn mode in response to the detected take-off signal, and provides a notification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal in the unworn mode.

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofKorean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0044001, filed on Apr. 22, 2013,which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to a smart watch and a control method for thesame, and more particularly to a method to provide a notificationindicating events, which are scheduled to occur in the smart watch afterdetecting the take-off signal, if a smart watch is taken off.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Development of wearable computers is accelerating with advances intechnologies. Here, wearable computers refer to computers that a usercan naturally wear, like clothes, watches, glasses, and accessories.Smart-phones or tablet PCs may be inconvenient because the user has toput a smart-phone or tablet PC in a pocket or bag or to hold the same,although the user may easily manipulate the smart-phone or tablet PCwith fingers or a touch pen. On the contrary, wearable computers mayachieve better portability than smart-phones or table PCs.

In particular, as one kind of wearable computers, a variety of productsof a wrist watch, i.e. of a smart watch, through which the user canaccess a variety of online services, such as, for example, diary,messages, notifications, and stock quotes services, in a wirelessmanner, has appeared. In the case of the smart watch, it may not becontinuously used, but be taken off and neglected for a long timedespite limited battery usage time thereof. Accordingly, it may benecessary to display different content on the smart watch according towhether or not the smart watch is worn by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a smart watch and acontrol method for the same that substantially obviate one or moreproblems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

In one embodiment, an object of the disclosure is to provide a smartwatch which provides a notification indicating at least one event thatis scheduled to occur after detecting a take-off signal, if the smartwatch detects a take-off signal, thereby assisting a user in predictingan up-coming event even in a state in which the smart watch is taken offAnother object of the disclosure is to provide a smart watch whichprovides a notification indicating at least one unconfirmed event inresponse to take-off detection if the smart watch detects a take-offsignal, thereby assisting a user in confirming a notice, a message, orthe like that has not been confirmed while the smart watch is worn bythe user.

A further object of the disclosure is to provide a smart watch which maydetect surrounding information even in an unworn mode, which enablesmode switching of the smart watch based on the detected surroundinginformation

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, asmart watch comprising a display unit configured to display content, acommunication unit configured to transmit and receive data, a sensorunit configured to detect an input signal to the smart watch andtransmit the detected input signal to a processor, and the processorconfigured to control the display unit, the communication unit, and thesensor unit, wherein the processor is further configured to detect atake-off signal in a worn mode of the smart watch, wherein the take-offsignal is a signal indicating that the smart watch is separated from auser, switch the smart watch to an unworn mode in response to thedetected take-off signal, and provide a notification indicating at leastone event that is scheduled to occur in the smart watch after detectingthe take-off signal, in the unworn mode.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a control method for asmart watch, comprising detecting a take-off signal in a worn mode ofthe smart watch, wherein the take-off signal is a signal indicating thatthe smart watch is separated from a user, switching the smart watch toan unworn mode in response to the detected take-off signal, andproviding a notification indicating at least one event that is scheduledto occur after detecting a take-off signal, in the unworn mode

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present invention areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a smart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a smart watch according to one embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view showing pairing between a smart watch and an externaldigital device according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a first embodiment of a control method for asmart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a second embodiment of a control method for asmart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a third embodiment of a control method for asmart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of a control method for asmart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of a control method for asmart watch according to the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method for a smart watchaccording to the disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control method for a smart watchaccording to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the terms used in the following description are selected, asmuch as possible, from general terms that are widely used at presentwhile taking into consideration of the functions of the disclosure,these terms may be replaced by other terms based on intensions of thoseskilled in the art, customs, emergence of new technologies, or the like.In addition, in a particular case, terms that are arbitrarily selectedby the applicant of the disclosure may be used. In this case, themeanings of these terms may be described in corresponding descriptionparts of the embodiments. Accordingly, it should be noted that the termsused herein should be construed based on practical meanings thereof andthe whole content of this specification, rather than being simplyconstrued based on names of the terms.

Moreover, although the embodiments will be described herein in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings and content described in theaccompanying drawings, it should be understood that the disclosure isnot limited to or restricted by the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a smart watch according to the disclosure.Referring to FIG. 1, the smart watch 100 may include a display unit 110,a sensor unit 120, a communication unit 130, a processor 140, a powerunit 150, and a storage unit 160.

The display unit 110 may output an image on a display screen. Inaddition, the display unit 110 may output an image based on contentprocessed in the processor 140, or based on a control instruction of theprocessor 140. For example, the content may include various videos andstationary images. In this disclosure, the display unit 110 may displaya notification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal. More particularly, the display unit110 may display a letter notification or image notification indicatingat least one event, which is scheduled to occur after detecting thetake-off signal.

The sensor unit 120 may detect an input signal using at least one sensorequipped in the smart watch 100, and transmit the detected input signalto the processor 140. In this case, the sensor unit 120 may include aplurality of sensing means. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensingmeans may include a gravity sensor, geomagnetic sensor, motion sensor,gyro sensor, accelerometer, infrared sensor, inclination sensor,brightness sensor, height sensor, olfactory sensor, temperature sensor,depth sensor, pressure sensor, bending sensor, audio sensor, videosensor, Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, grip sensor, and touchsensor, for example. The sensor unit 120 may be a generic term for theabove enumerated various sensing means. Also, the sensor unit 120 maysense a variety of user inputs and user environments and may transmitthe sensed result to the processor 140 to allow the processor 140 toimplement an operation based on the sensed result. The above enumeratedsensors may be provided as individual elements included in the digitaldevice 100, or may be combined to constitute at least one element.

According to the disclosure, the sensor unit 120 may detect a take-offsignal in a worn mode of the smart watch 100. Here, the take-off signalmay correspond to a signal indicating that the smart watch 100 isseparated from a user. The take-off signal may be detected via a rearsurface of the smart watch 100 or via a buckle of the smart watch 100.This will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.In addition, according to the disclosure, the sensor unit 120 may detecta wear signal of the smart watch 100. Here, the wear signal maycorrespond to a signal indicating that the smart watch 100 is worn bythe user. Likewise, the wear signal may be detected via the rear surfaceof the smart watch 100 or via the buckle of the smart watch 100.

Additionally, according to the disclosure, the sensor unit 120 maydetect surrounding information on the smart watch 100. Here, thesurrounding information may include, for example, audio information,position information, temperature information, and pressure informationdetected via the smart watch 100.

The communication unit 130 may establish communication with an externaldevice using various protocols, and may perform datatransmission/reception thereby. In addition, the communication unit 130may be connected to a network in a wired or wireless manner, therebyperforming transmission/reception of digital data, such as content, etc.In the disclosure, the smart watch 100 may perform pairing with anexternal digital device using the communication unit 130. Through thepairing, the smart watch 100 may further establish communication withthe external digital device. This will hereinafter be described withreference to FIG. 3. In addition, the smart watch 100 may receive anotification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal, if the smart watch 100 detects atake-off signal that is transmitted from the external digital deviceusing the communication unit 130.

The processor 140 may process content received via data communication,or content stored in the storage unit 160, for example. In addition, theprocessor 140 may execute various applications and process data, and maycontrol the above enumerated respective constituent units of the smartwatch 100 as well as data transmission/reception between the units.

In the disclosure, the processor 140 may detect a take-off signal in aworn mode of the smart watch 100, and switch the smart watch 100 to anunworn mode in response to the detected take-off signal. In addition, inthe disclosure, the processor 140 may provide a notification indicatingat least one event that is scheduled to occur after detecting thetake-off signal. The operation of the processor 140 will hereinafter bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

The power unit 150 refers to a power source connected to an internalbattery of the smart watch 100 or an external power source, and maysupply power to the smart watch 100.

The storage unit 160 may store various digital data, such as videos,audios, photographs, applications, etc. The storage unit 160 may storeprograms for process and control of the processor 140, and perform afunction for temporary storage of input/output data. The storage unit160 may include various digital data storage spaces, such as a flashmemory, Random Access Memory (RAM), Solid Stage Drive (SSD), etc.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, various operations of the smartwatch 100 may be controlled by the processor 140. Moreover, theoperations of the smart watch 100 may be stored in the storage unit 160and controlled by applications that are executed by the processor 140.For convenience, in the drawings and the following description, theaforementioned operations will be illustrated and described as beingperformed or controlled by the smart watch 100.

The smart watch 100 according to one embodiment is exemplarily shown inthe block diagram of FIG. 1, in which separate blocks logically classifyelements of the smart watch 100. Thus, the aforementioned elements ofthe smart watch 100 may be mounted as a single chip or a plurality ofchips based on device design.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the smart watch according to one embodiment ofthe disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows a state in which thesmart watch 100 is worn by the user designated by reference numeral 10.In other words, FIG. 2 shows a worn mode.

The smart watch 100 may implement a worn mode and an unworn mode. First,the worn mode, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2( a), may correspond to astate in which the rear surface (not shown) of the smart watch 100 comesinto contact with the wrist of the user 10. In addition, the worn mode,as exemplarily shown in FIG. 2( b), may correspond to a state in which abuckle 170 of the smart watch 100 is locked. Next, although the unwornmode is not shown in FIG. 2, the unworn mode may correspond to a statein which the rear surface (not shown) of the smart watch 100 does notcome into contact with the wrist of the user 10. Additionally, theunworn mode may correspond to a state in which the buckle 170 of thesmart watch 100 is not locked.

The smart watch 100 may determine the worn mode or the unworn mode basedon the presence or absence of an input signal with regard to the rearsurface of the smart watch 100 or the buckle 170 of the smart watch 100.In one embodiment, the smart watch 100 may determine the worn modeaccording to whether or not the rear surface (not shown) of the smartwatch 100 comes into contact with the user 10. That is, the smart watch100 may determine the worn mode based on the presence or absence of atouch input signal with regard to the rear surface (not shown) of thesmart watch 100. In another embodiment, the smart watch 100 maydetermine the worn mode according to whether or not the buckle 170 ofthe smart watch 100 is locked. That is, the smart watch 100 maydetermine the worn mode based on the presence or absence of a touchsignal of the buckle 170 of the smart watch 100. Also, in anotherembodiment, the smart watch 100 may determine the worn mode according towhether or not the rear surface (not shown) of the smart watch 100 comesinto contact with the user as well as whether or not the buckle 170 islocked.

FIG. 3 is a view showing pairing between the smart watch and an externaldigital device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Morespecifically, FIG. 3 shows pairing of the smart watch 100 with theexternal digital device 200, such as a smart-phone. Here, the externaldigital device 200 may include a smart-phone, a laptop computer, or aPortable Multimedia Player (PMP), for example.

Pairing refers to connection for data transmission/reception between thesmart watch 100 and the external digital device 200. When performingpairing, the smart watch 100 and the external digital device 200 mayestablish communication to realize bidirectional datatransmission/reception. In the disclosure, pairing may be performed viaBluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc. In one example, pairingmay be performed via user input using the smart watch 100 or theexternal digital device 200. Here, the user input may include touchinput, voice input, etc. For example, the smart watch 100 may provide aseparate button or user interface for communication with the externaldigital device 200. In addition, the user may realize communicationbetween the smart watch 100 and the external digital device 200 via userinput using the button or the user interface. Once communication isestablished, the smart watch 100 may transmit or receive data to or fromthe external digital device 200 through an open session.

In the disclosure, the smart watch 100 may perform pairing with theexternal digital device 200 using the communication unit (not shown). Inaddition, through pairing, the smart watch 100 may receive anotification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal, from the external digital device200. In addition, the smart watch 100 may provide the user with thenotification received from the external digital device 200.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, when performing pairing with the externaldigital device 200, the smart watch 100 may display an indicator,representing pairing success, on the display unit. In addition, whenreleased from pairing with the external digital device 200, the smartwatch 100 may display an indicator, representing that pairing has beenreleased, on the display unit. This will hereinafter be described indetail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a first embodiment of a control method for thesmart watch according to the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 4 showsprovision of a notification in the case in which the smart watch 100 isswitched from a worn mode (t0) to an unworn mode (t1).

First, a time t0 corresponds to a worn mode, i.e. a state in which thesmart watch 100 is worn by the user 10. As described above withreference to FIG. 2, whether or not the smart watch 100 is worn may bedetermined based on the input signal with regard to at least one of therear surface (not shown) of the smart watch 100 and the buckle (notshown) of the smart watch 100. In addition, at the time t0, the smartwatch 100 may display a home screen or content that is in use frombefore. For example, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 4, at the time t0, thesmart watch 100 displays a home screen, on which letters as well asicons, such as telephone symbols, etc., are displayed.

Next, at a time t1, the smart watch 100 may detect a take-off signal.More specifically, the smart watch 100 may detect the take-off signalwhile the smart watch 100 is worn by the user 10. The smart watch 100may be switched to an unworn mode in response to the detected take-offsignal. Here, the unworn mode may correspond to a state after the user10 takes off the smart watch 100. In other words, the unworn mode maycorrespond to a mode in which a take-off operation is performed after atake-off instruction signal is detected.

Next, at a time t2, the smart watch 100 may provide a notificationindicating at least one event that is scheduled to occur after detectingthe take-off signal. In one embodiment, the provided notificationindicating at least one event may correspond to a notificationindicating at least one event, which is scheduled to occur afterdetecting the take-off signal. For example, the at least one event,which is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal, mayinclude reserved alarms, tasks to be performed, weather, etc. In anotherembodiment, the provided notification may correspond to a notificationindicating at least one event that has not confirmed before the take-offsignal is detected. For example, the at least one event not confirmedbefore the take-off signal is detected may include a missed call, anunconfirmed message, an unconfirmed Social Network Service (SNS)message, an unconfirmed e-mail, etc.

In addition, the above described notification indicating at least oneevent may be a voice notification, a letter notification, or an imagenotification, for example. Referring to FIG. 4, the smart watch 100 mayprovide, at the time t2, a letter notification indicating an unconfirmednew message and a message that newly appears in SNS. As will beappreciated from the embodiments described above, even if the smartwatch 100 is switched from the worn mode to the unworn mode, the user 10may receive, via the smart watch 100, a notification indicating an eventthat will occur later or an event that occurred before.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, the smart watch 100 may detect surroundinginformation on the smart watch 100. Here, the surrounding informationmay correspond to information regarding various surrounding factorsdetected by the smart watch 100. For example, the surroundinginformation may include at least one of audio information, positioninformation, temperature information, and pressure information. Inaddition, in the unworn mode, the smart watch 100 may determine, basedon the detected surrounding information, whether or not to provide anotification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal. For example, in the unworn mode,the smart watch 100 may display the same content as that displayed inthe worn mode, rather than providing a notification, based on thedetected surrounding information. In this case, additionally, the smartwatch 100 may remain paired with the external digital device.

In one embodiment, if the user 10 temporarily takes off the smart watch100 to wash their hands in a wash room, the smart watch 100 may detectposition information on the wash room. In addition, the smart watch 100may detect audio information on the wash room. In this case, since theuser 10 will again soon wear the smart watch 100 after washing theirhands, the smart watch 100 may be set so as not to provide anotification in the unworn mode when detecting position information oraudio information on the wash room. Accordingly, in the unworn mode, thesmart watch 100 may continuously display the same content as thatdisplayed in the worn mode on the display unit 110. In this case, thesmart watch 100 may remain paired with the external digital device (notshown).

In another embodiment, if the user 10 takes off the smart watch 100 in abedroom, the smart watch 100 may detect position information on thebedroom. In this case, since the user 10 will not again wear the smartwatch 100 for a long time, the smart watch 100 may be set so as toprovide a notification indicating at least one event that is scheduledto occur after detecting the take-off signal, in the unworn mode if thesmart watch 100 detects position information on the bedroom.Accordingly, in the unworn mode, the smart watch 100 may provide anotification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal, on the display unit 110. In thiscase, the smart watch 100 may unpair or remain paired with the externaldigital device (not shown) according to user selection or automaticsetting.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a second embodiment of a control method for thesmart watch according to the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 5 showswhether or not to unpair between the smart watch 100 and the externaldigital device 200 if the smart watch 100 is switched from a worn modeto an unworn mode.

First, in a worn mode of the smart watch 100, the smart watch 100 mayperform pairing with the external digital device 200. As described abovewith reference to FIG. 3, once pairing is completed, the smart watch 100may transmit or receive data via communication with the external digitaldevice 200. Next, the smart watch 100 may detect a take-off signal.Next, the smart watch 100 may be switched to an unworn mode in responseto the detected take-off signal.

In this case, the smart watch 100 may display a pairing interface 20 onthe display unit. The pairing interface 20 is used to set whether or notto unpair between the smart watch 100 and the external digital device200. In one embodiment, when detecting an input signal with regard tothe unpairing, the smart watch 100 may unpair with the external digitaldevice 200. Here, the smart watch 100 may display an indicator (notshown) that represents the unpairing on the display unit. In anotherembodiment, when detecting an input signal with regard to themaintenance of pairing, the smart watch 100 may remain paired with theexternal digital device 200. Here, the smart watch 100 may display anindicator 30 representing that pairing is maintained, on the displayunit. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the smart watch 100 may displaythe indicator 30, representing that Bluetooth communication iscontinued, on the display unit 110.

Meanwhile, upon detecting a take-off signal, the smart watch 100 mayunpair with the external digital device 200, rather than displaying thepairing interface 20 on the display unit 110, according to automaticsetting. In addition, upon detecting a take-off signal, the smart watch100 may remain paired with the external digital device 200, rather thandisplaying the pairing interface 20 on the display unit 110, accordingto automatic setting. Here, the setting may include setting by userinput, or automatic setting with regard to the smart watch 100, forexample. Through the embodiments described above, the smart watch 100may set or unpair according to whether or not the smart watch 100 is inuse, which may reduce consumption of battery power.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a third embodiment of a control method for thesmart watch according to the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 6 showspower on/off of the smart watch 100 when the smart watch 100 is switchedfrom a worn mode to an unworn mode.

First, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the smartwatch 100 may detect a take-off signal in a worn mode thereof. Next, thesmart watch 100 may be switched to an unworn mode in response to thedetected take-off signal. In this case, the smart watch 100 may displaya power on/off interface 40 on the display unit 110. The power on/offinterface 40 is used to set whether or not to turn on or off the smartwatch 100. In one embodiment, the smart watch 100 may be turned off upondetecting a power-off input signal with regard to the smart watch 100.In this case, the display unit 110 of the smart watch 100 may bedeactivated. That is, no content may be displayed on the display unit110 of the smart watch 100. Additionally, in this case, as describedabove with reference to FIG. 5, the smart watch 100 may unpair with theexternal digital device (not shown) according to user selection orautomatic setting.

In another embodiment, upon detecting a power-on input signal withregard to the smart watch 100, the smart watch 100 may remain poweredon. However, in this case, since the smart watch 100 is not worn by theuser 10, the smart watch 110 may be switched to a standby mode in whichpreset content is displayed on the display unit 110. This is because itis unnecessary to operate the smart watch 100 as in the worn mode in astate in which the smart watch 100 is not worn by the user 10. Here, thepreset content may correspond to content that may need to becontinuously displayed even when the user 10 does not actively use thesmart watch 100. For example, the preset content may include clockcontent, calendar content, schedule content, etc. Referring to FIG. 6,the preset content may correspond to clock content. In this case,additionally, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the smartwatch 100 may unpair or remain paired with the external digital device(not shown) according to user selection or automatic setting.

Meanwhile, the smart watch 100 may be set so as to be turned off, ratherthan displaying the power on/off interface 40 on the display unit 110,upon detecting a take-off signal. In addition, the smart watch 100 maybe set so as to remain powered on, rather than displaying the poweron/off interface 40 on the display unit 110, even if the smart watch 100detects a take-off signal. Here, this setting may be performed via userinput or automatic setting with regard to the smart watch 100, forexample.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of a control method for thesmart watch according to the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 7 showscontent displayed on the smart watch 100 depending on the lapse of timeif the smart watch 100 is switched from a worn mode (t0) to an unwornmode (t1).

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the time t0corresponds to a worn mode of the smart watch 100 in which the smartwatch 100 is worn by the user 10. Next, at the time t1, the smart watch100 may detect a take-off signal. In this case, the smart watch 100 maybe switched to an unworn mode in response to the detected take-offsignal. Next, at the time t2, the smart watch 100 may provide anotification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal. In addition, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 4, the smart watch 100 may provide a notificationindicating at least one event, which has not confirmed before thetake-off signal is detected, after a preset period Tr1 has passed fromthe detection time of the take-off signal.

Here, the time t2 may correspond to a time when the preset period Tr1has passed from the take-off signal detection time t1. That is, thesmart watch 100 may provide a notification indicating at least oneevent, which is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal,after the preset period Tr1 has passed from the take-off signaldetection time. This is because it is unnecessary to provide thenotification if the user 10 again wears the smart watch 100 within thepreset period Tr1 after the take-off signal is detected. Accordingly, ifthe user again wears the smart watch 100 within the preset period Tr1after the take-off signal is detected, the smart watch 100 may again beswitched to the worn mode. In this case, the smart watch 100 may displaythe same content as that displayed in the worn mode on the display unit110.

In addition, the smart watch 100 may provide a notification indicatingat least one event, which is scheduled to occur later on the basis of atake-off time, for a preset period Tr2 starting from the time t2. Inaddition, the smart watch 100 may provide a notification indicating atleast one event, which has not confirmed before the take-off time, forthe preset period Tr2 starting from the time t2. Here, since thenotification indicating at least one event is provided for the presetperiod Tr2, the provision time of the notification may be changed basedon the number of events. Next, at a time t3, the smart watch 100 may beswitched to a first mode in which the display unit 110 is deactivated.Here, the first mode, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, maycorrespond to a power-off mode of the smart watch 100. In addition, atthe time t3, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 7, the smart watch 100 may beswitched to a second mode in which preset content is displayed on thedisplay unit 110. Here, the second mode may correspond to a mode inwhich the smart watch 100 remains powered on and is switched to thestandby mode. Meanwhile, the smart watch 100 may display the poweron/off interface (not shown) as exemplarily shown in FIG. 6 afterprovision of the notification. In this case, the smart watch 100 maydetect an input signal with regard to the power on/off interface (notshown), and provide at least one of the first mode or the second modebased on the detected input signal.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 7, the smart watch 100 may unpairwith the external digital device (not shown) when switched to the firstmode after provision of the notification. In addition, when switched tothe second mode after provision of the notification, the smart watch 100may remain paired with the external digital device (not shown). In thiscase, the smart watch 100 may display a pairing interface on the displayunit after provision of the notification, thereby determining whether ornot to remain paired in response to user input.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of a control method for thesmart watch according to the disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 8 showsvariation of content to be displayed on the smart watch 100 depending onthe lapse of time when the smart watch 100 is switched from a worn mode(t0) to an unworn mode (t1).

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, the time t0corresponds to a worn mode of the smart watch 100 in which the smartwatch 100 is worn by the user 10. Next, at the time t1, the smart watch100 may detect a take-off signal. Next, at the time t2, the smart watch100 may provide a notification indicating at least one event, which isscheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal. Here, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 7, the time t2 may correspond toa time when the preset period Tr1 has passed from the take-off signaldetection time t1.

Next, the smart watch 100 may provide the notification for the presetperiod Tr2 starting from the time t2. As described above with referenceto FIG. 4, the notification may be a voice notification, a letternotification, or an image notification, for example. Meanwhile, thesmart watch 100 may detect a wear signal at a time t0_(—)1 within thepreset period Tr2 for which the notification is provided. Here, the wearsignal, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, is a signalindicating that the smart watch 10 is worn by the user 10, and maycorrespond to an input signal with regard to the rear surface (notshown) of the smart watch 100 or the buckle (not shown) of the smartwatch 100. In this case, the smart watch 100 may be switched to the wornmode, and may stop provision of the notification. For example, referringto FIG. 8, the smart watch 100 may no longer provide the currentnotification, and may display the same content as that displayed in theworn mode (the time t0) on the display unit 110.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 8, the smart watch 100 may displayan interface, which is used to set whether or not to provide anotification indicating at least one residual event if provision of thenotification stops at the time t0_(—)1 as the user 10 again wears thesmart watch 100. In this case, the smart watch 100 may provide residualnotifications in the worn mode in response to an input signal withregard to the interface. Here, the input signal with regard to theinterface may correspond to an input signal to request provision ofresidual notifications. In addition, the smart watch 100 may display thesame content as that in the worn mode, rather than providing theresidual notifications in the worn mode, in response to an input signalwith regard to the interface. Here, the input signal with regard to theinterface may correspond to an input signal to reject provision ofresidual notifications.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control method for the smart watchaccording to the disclosure. Each operation of FIG. 9 that will bedescribed hereinafter may be controlled by the processor 140 of thesmart watch 100 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1.

First, the smart watch may detect a take-off signal in a worn mode(S910). Here, the take-off signal, as described above with reference toFIG. 2, may correspond to a signal detected via at least one of the rearsurface of the smart watch or the buckle of the smart watch. Inaddition, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the smart watchmay perform pairing with the external digital device using thecommunication unit in the worn mode.

Next, the smart watch may be switched to an unworn mode in response tothe detected take-off signal (S920). In this case, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 3, the smart watch may receive a notificationindicating at least one event that is scheduled to occur after detectingthe take-off signal, from the external digital device in response to thedetected take-off signal. In addition, the smart watch may receive anotification indicating at least one event, which has not confirmedbefore the take-off signal is detected, from the external digital devicein response to the detected take-off signal.

Next, the smart watch may provide a notification indicating at least oneevent, which is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal(S930). For example, in the unworn mode, the smart watch may provide anotification indicating at least one event received from the externaldigital device. In addition, the smart watch may provide a notificationindicating at least one event, which has not confirmed before thetake-off signal is detected. As described above with reference to FIG.7, the smart watch may provide a notification indicating at least oneevent that is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal,after a preset period has passed from the take-off signal detectiontime. Meanwhile, the smart watch, as described above with reference toFIG. 8, may be switched to the worn mode if a wear signal is detectedwithin the preset period after the take-off signal is detected.Meanwhile, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the notificationindicating at least one event may include at least one notificationindicating a scheduled event selected from among a voice notification, aletter notification, and an image notification. In addition, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 5, the smart watch may unpair orremain paired with the external digital device by user selection orautomatic setting after the notification indicating at least one eventis provided.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control method for the smart watchaccording to the disclosure. Each operation of FIG. 10 that will bedescribed hereinafter may be controlled by the processor 140 of thesmart watch 100 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in theembodiment of FIG. 10, a detailed description of the same or similarparts as those in the above described embodiment of FIG. 9 will beomitted.

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, the smart watch maydetect a take-off signal in a worn mode (S1010). Next, the smart watchmay be switched to an unworn mode in response to the detected take-offsignal (S1020). Next, the smart watch may provide a notificationindicating at least one event, which is scheduled to occur afterdetecting the take-off signal.

Next, the smart watch may determine whether to be switched to a firstmode or a second mode (S1040). Here, switching to the first mode or thesecond mode may be determined based on a user input signal, or may beperformed according to automatic setting.

If switching to the first mode is determined in Operation S1040, thesmart watch may deactivate the display unit (S1050). That is, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 6, the smart watch may be turnedoff in the first mode. In addition, the smart watch, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 5, may unpair with the external digital device inthe first mode.

On the other hand, if switching to the second mode is determined inOperation S1040, the smart watch may display preset content on thedisplay unit (S1060). In addition, as described above with reference toFIG. 6, the smart watch may remain powered on in the second mode. Inaddition, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the smart watchmay remain paired with the external digital device in the second mode.Alternatively, the smart watch may unpair with the external digitaldevice by user selection or automatic setting.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, as described above with reference to FIG.4, the smart watch may detect surrounding information. In addition, thesmart watch may be switched, based on the detected surroundinginformation, from the unworn mode to a third mode in which thenotification indicating at least one event, which is scheduled to occurafter detecting the take-off signal, is not provided. In the third mode,the smart watch may display the same content as that displayed in theworn mode on the display unit. In addition, as described above withreference to FIG. 4, the smart watch may remain paired with the externaldigital device in the third mode. However, the smart watch may unpairwith the external digital device by user selection or automatic setting.

Although the respective drawings have been described individually forconvenience, the embodiments described in the respective drawings may becombined to realize novel embodiments. In addition, designing a computerreadable recording medium in which a program to execute the abovedescribed embodiments is recorded according to a need of those skilledin the art is within the scope of the disclosure.

The smart watch and the control method for the same according to thedisclosure are not limited to the configurations and methods of theabove described embodiments, and all or some of the embodiments may beselectively combined to achieve various modifications.

Meanwhile, the smart watch and the control method for the same accordingto the disclosure may be implemented as code that can be written on aprocessor readable recording medium and thus read by a processorprovided in a network device. The processor readable recording mediummay be any type of recording device in which data is stored in aprocessor readable manner. Examples of the processor readable recordingmedium include a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an opticaldata storage device, and a carrier wave (e.g., data transmission overthe Internet). Also, the processor readable recording medium can bedistributed over a plurality of computer systems connected to a networkso that processor readable code is written thereto and executed therefrom in a decentralized manner.

As is apparent from the above description, according to one embodiment,even if a user takes off a smart watch, it is possible to allow the userto previously confirm a message or notice that will appear after thesmart watch is taken off.

Further, according to one embodiment, even if the user takes off thesmart watch, it is possible to allow the user to confirm a message ornotice that has not been confirmed while the smart watch is worn by theuser.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is possible to achieveautomated mode switching of the smart watch based on a place where theuser who wears the smart watch is present, a surrounding temperature ofthe smart watch, and a signal generated around the smart watch.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that thedisclosure is not limited to the above described particular embodiments,and numerous variations, modifications, and other embodiments may bedevised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit andscope of the principles of this disclosure, drawings and the appendedclaims.

In addition, the disclosure describes both an object invention and amethod invention, and description of both inventions may be selectivelyapplied as necessary.

1. A smart watch comprising: a display unit configured to displaycontent; a communication unit configured to transmit and receive data; asensor unit configured to detect an input signal to the smart watch andtransmit the detected input signal to a processor; and the processorconfigured to control the display unit, the communication unit, and thesensor unit, wherein the processor is further configured to: detect atake-off signal in a worn mode of the smart watch, wherein the take-offsignal is a signal indicating that the smart watch is separated from auser, switch the smart watch to an unworn mode in response to thetake-off signal, and provide a notification indicating at least oneevent that is scheduled to occur in the smart watch after detecting thetake-off signal, in the unworn mode, wherein the notified at least oneevent excludes an event which has not been confirmed before detectingthe take-off signal, wherein the processor is further configured toperform a pairing between the smart watch and an external digital deviceusing the communication unit, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to display a pairing interface which is used to set whetheror not to pair between the smart watch and the external digital device,on the display unit in the unworn mode. 2-4. (canceled)
 5. The smartwatch according to claim 1, wherein the take-off signal is a signaldetected via at least one of a rear surface of the smart watch and abuckle of the smart watch.
 6. The smart watch according to claim 1,wherein the processor is further configured to provide the notificationindicating at least one event that is scheduled to occur after detectingthe take-off signal, after a preset period has passed from a take-offsignal detection time.
 7. The smart watch according to claim 6, whereinthe processor is further configured to switch the smart watch to theworn mode, when a worn signal is detected within the preset periodstarting from the take-off signal detection time. 8-13. (canceled) 14.The smart watch according to claim 1, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to terminate providing the notification indicating at leastone event and switch the smart watch to the worn mode, when a wornsignal of the smart watch is detected while providing the notificationindicating at least one event.
 15. The smart watch according to claim14, wherein the processor is further configured to display an interfacerepresenting whether or not to provide a residual event indicating thenotification if the smart watch is switched to the worn mode.
 16. Thesmart watch according to claim 1, wherein the notification indicating atleast one event includes at least one of a voice notification, a letternotification, and an image notification, representing the scheduledevent.
 17. A smart watch comprising: a display unit configured todisplay content; a communication unit configured to transmit and receivedata; a sensor unit configured to detect an input signal to the smartwatch and transmit the detected input signal to a processor; and theprocessor configured to control the display unit, the communicationunit, and the sensor unit, wherein the processor is further configuredto: detect a take-off signal in a worn mode of the smart watch, whereinthe take-off signal is a signal indicating that the smart watch isseparated from a user, switch the smart watch to an unworn mode inresponse to the take-off signal, and provide a notification indicatingat least one event that is scheduled to occur in the smart watch afterdetecting the take-off signal, in the unworn mode, wherein the notifiedat least one event excludes an event which has not been confirmed beforedetecting the take-off signal, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to switch the smart watch to at least one of a first mode inwhich the display unit is deactivated and a second mode in which apreset content is displayed on the display unit, in the unworn mode, andwherein the processor is further configured to provide a third mode, inwhich a pairing between the smart watch and the external digital deviceis maintained in the unworn mode.
 18. The smart watch according to claim17, wherein the processor is further configured to detect surroundinginformation on the smart watch, wherein the surrounding informationincluding at least one of audio information, position information,temperature information, and pressure information detected through thesmart watch, and switch the smart watch to one of the first to thirdmodes based on the detected surrounding information, in the unworn mode.19. The smart watch according to claim 18, wherein the processor isfurther configured to display a content which is displayed in the wornmode on the display unit if the smart watch is switched to the thirdmode based on the detected surrounding information.
 20. (canceled)